R.I.P Childish Gambino: Beloved Rapper and Friend

Today, we are here to revere and honor the legacy of illustrious rapper Childish Gambino. Leaving behind seven years of lyrical genius and breakthrough sound on classics like “3005” and “Sober,” Donald Glover is saying goodbye to his Childish Gambino moniker, and fans like us are left both devastated and hopeful of what’s in store for Glover’s future.

Before the curtains on the Gambino stage have finally closed, however, the Grammy Award-winning artist has left us with a piece of his beginnings. Childish Gambino’s first mixtape “EP,” originally dropped in 2011, has been re-released for senior fans to reminisce on the songs that established Gambino as a formidable force in the hip-hop industry, and for new fans to take a musical journey through the electrifying beats of the rapper’s first body of work. So as we pay our respects toward the music that started it all, let us remember the passion and spirit of one of hip-hop’s fallen.

Launching his career towards the levels of success he has reached today, “Freaks and Geeks” is an intelligently crafted yet audacious diss track aimed at all artists of the hip-hop world. With the sorrowful piano progressions and melodic violin on “Not Going Back,” Gambino shouts a proclamation to the world that he will never give up in pursuing his music dream. Through the clarity of R&B-inspired “My Shine,” Gambino sheds light on his name and the arduous labor it took to solidify himself into the industry. Addressing how vulnerable it feels to release music at the bottom of the food chain, “Be Alone” and “Lights Turned On” encapsulate the emotional essence of Donald Glover’s rapper ego. Overall, this re-release enables fans to say goodbye to their idol while forever holding onto the sounds that made them fall in love.

Although we unfortunately must say goodbye to dear Childish Gambino, we are still left the visionary who brought him to life. Donald Glover is a multi-faceted artist who does not allow labels to define his limits. His qualifications and skills in the entertainment industry are plentiful: actor, director, writer, comedian, disc jockey, songwriter, singer, and of course, rapper. Proving to be a force to be reckoned with, Glover has retired his rap alias in order to spread himself out among other creative projects.

As the highly anticipated film “Black Panther” is shortly coming to theaters nationwide, many are unaware of Donald Glover’s contributions to the nearly all-black cast’s cinematic work. Having received an early draft of the film’s script, Glover made several edits and offered much insight in crafting the final draft. In an interview with Pitchfork, the film’s director, Ryan Coogler, said that “he had some cool insight . . . Donald is one of the funniest people I know.” Making a good impression on filmmakers and producers, Glover’s future in the movie industry seems promising. With his acting as polished and practiced as his writing, it is certain that Donald Glover will become a household name in no time.

Starring as a major role in the upcoming Star Wars spin-off “Solo,” Donald Glover will sweep the big screen, leaving millions changed after his performance. Having castmates like Emilia Clarke, Woody Harrelson, and Alden Ehrenreich as Han Solo himself, Glover has positioned himself among some seasoned performers in Hollywood at such a remarkably young age. With this kind of experience and knowledge at his disposal, the young actor’s career is bound to take off after the movie’s probable success. The film is set for release on May 25, 2018 in theaters everywhere.

As we finally part ways with one of hip-hop’s greats, let us relish in the memories and music that has been left behind for us to savor in until the end of time. Childish Gambino was, is, and always will be a source of inspiration for those who ache to follow in his footsteps. The music industry thrives from artists like Gambino, a musician that solely cares for the art rather than the profits. Exemplifying excellence across the industry, Childish Gambino will not die in vain, for his unique style and authenticity will breed a new generation of singers and rappers to dominate the charts.